US envoy Morgan Ortagus asserts that Hezbollah should not join the Lebanese government, marking clear US red lines. Amid stalled cabinet formations due to sectarian issues, Ortagus emphasizes US support for Lebanon in overcoming Iranian influence. She references a recent ceasefire and the importance of military redeployment deadlines to restore stability in the region.
The United States has established a strict position regarding Hezbollah’s involvement in the Lebanese government, according to US envoy Morgan Ortagus. Her comments come amid ongoing challenges in forming a cabinet due to sectarian disputes in Lebanon. Hezbollah’s ally, the Amal Movement, is insisting on approving all Shi’ite ministers, contributing to the stalemate. Ortagus emphasized that the US has marked clear boundaries to prevent Hezbollah from terrorizing the Lebanese populace, stating they should not be part of the government.
Ortagus remarked on her confidence, citing Hezbollah’s military defeats in the previous year against Israeli forces. She noted that the US has set a “red line,” which confirms Hezbollah’s exclusion from government roles. During her visit, she acknowledged the complexities of the political landscape in Lebanon, shaped significantly by sectarian affiliations and disputes.
In her discussions with Lebanese officials, Ortagus also referenced a ceasefire agreement from last November that mandated a withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces from southern Lebanon. A deadline of February 18 had been set for this strategic redeployment, including the reentry of Lebanese troops into the area. She asserted that the United States remains committed to this timeline for the redeployment of military forces.
Lebanon has been navigating a challenging political environment where governmental positions are strictly divided along sectarian lines, often leading to deadlocks in forming a functional cabinet. Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed paramilitary group, has significant influence in Lebanese politics, complicating the process of government formation. The standoff between Hezbollah and other political factions, especially regarding ministerial appointments, reflects deeper sectarian tensions within the country.
In summary, the US firmly opposes Hezbollah’s participation in the Lebanese government, viewing it as a necessary step to protect the Lebanese people from terrorism. The situation remains tense as Lebanon continues to grapple with its political crises, exacerbated by Hezbollah’s military involvement and the sectarian nature of its politics. US envoy Morgan Ortagus’s visit emphasizes the importance of adhering to the ceasefire agreement deadlines and fostering diplomatic resolutions in Lebanon.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
